The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1887-05-12
Mai, J, b, Stacy's baeture,

Owing to cirGu instances the au-
dienee was OF large at the Presby
terrain church last Sunday morning
TO hear Maj. Stacy's lecture on San
day schools, but those present were
well rewarded. The lecturer has
been teaching a bible class for sew
eral years and it is the unanimous
verdict Of his pupils that no better
teacher can be found any where.
HIS purpose was to show the ad
vantages gained in attending Sun
day school. The pas or, Mr.. Will
son, being absent assisting Mr..
Wood at Bethany, the occasion was
thought by the session, at the sug-
gestion of Mr.. Wilson, to be a good
one to present this topic, so impor-
tant to church work, and Maj. Sta,
y was unhesilatingly chosen as
the man to discuss the question.
He began by saying public speak
ing was new business with him,
out having been chosen 10 speak
upon the subject he would as best
he could present his views. He
then gave brief sketch Of the his
tory of Sunday schools and said
they dated back TO Tertu liam in
the second century, when they were
known as catechumen schools in
which religious. subjects were
taught. This religious feature ap
pears from time TO time until the
seventeenth century when they
were used as a substitute to some
extent for week day schools aud
both literary and religious subjects
were taught, the pupils being main
ly gathered from the poor. Gener
al attention was not attacted until
Rob't Raikes late in the eighteenth
century reported in the public
prints Of England the result of his
labors. Early in the nineteenth
century most religious denomina-
lions engaged in The work as a
means of religious instruction. 1n
the sixties OF this century an uni
form series OF lessons Has begun
and in 1873 SO great had the work
grown that worlds convention OF
Sunday school workers was held in
the worlds DISQUALIFICATION.
The lecturer then stated that an
almost universal consensus is given
10 the tru Ii of the scriptures and
that in them was revealed Gods
love for man and his great desire
for man 5 happiness in this and the
world to come, and mans Inability
20 attain true happiness outside OF
the means given in the bible. This
being true it at once become evil
dent that an acquaintance with the
contents of holy writ is necessary.
Most people read their bibles at
home but in a casual kind of way
that does not, for the want of care
full study, secure the thorough &C
quainta0ce needed. The Sunday
school is intended to supply The
want, affording az it does the incen
tive and means of careful study.
The more one studies the bibles
the more he is convinced of Gods
mercy, interest and love, and
thus is brought to adore a Father
who has shown his solicitude for
His children and The feeling of graf
itude is excited and the tible STU
tent is brought nearer TO his Maker
in feeling of reverential devotion.
This is tie legitimate fruits OF
Sunday school teaching, hence its
benefits are incalcula5le, bringing
about results so lasting in their
good effects. This part of the lecture
vas developed fully. The lecturer
then appealed to his hearers to avail
themselves of these benefits and
thus honor their Maker and do good
20 others by their influence. 1t is
hoped the results will be the ap-
pearance of many more grown peo-
pie ia our Sunday schools OF all
denominations. Maj. Stacy pur-
sues the only safe waySto make a
good teacher. He studies the les
son with great care and writes ont
/ commentary upon every lesson.
He has now several volumes oil
manuscript commentaries. His
-ourse is commended to all Sunday
school teachers.